There are four types of graffiti –
tagging, satanic/hate, gang, and generic (non-threatening messages
like "Bobby loves Suzy" or "Class of 2000").
San Antonio mainly deals with gang
and tagging graffiti. Tagging graffiti is more ornate while gang
graffiti uses symbols.

It is a common misperception that
most graffiti is done by gangs when in fact gangs are responsible
for less than 10% of graffiti.

Graffiti vandals represent every
social, ethnic and economic background. Suburban males commit
approximately 50% of graffiti vandalism from pre-teen to early 20s.

The average age of the arrested
graffiti vandal is 17-18, with an overall broad range of 8-54.

Community paintbrush murals are
rarely defaced by graffiti and instill a sense of pride among those
who live nearby.

There are four primary motivating
factors for graffiti vandalism: fame, rebellion, self-expression,
and power.

Getting the media to publish photos and
videotape of graffiti is often the ultimate fame for graffiti vandals.

You've probably seen graffiti somewhere
in your community. It's the words, colors, and shapes drawn or scratched
on buildings, overpasses, train cars, desks, and other surfaces. It's
done without permission and it's against the law.

The term graffiti comes from the Greek word graphein, which means,
"to write." Graffiti today ranges from simple, one-color
monikers (like a nickname) repeated on many surfaces to complex
compositions of several colors.

How is San Antonio
really harmed by graffiti?

First, graffiti is a drain on your tax
dollars. Funds that could be used for schools, roads, parks and other
community improvements are used for graffiti clean up. Second, graffiti
decreases a resident’s feeling of safety in a community. Neighborhoods
with graffiti see a decrease in property values and loss of business
growth and tourism. Finally, graffiti sends a signal that nobody cares,
which attracts other forms of crime and street delinquency to the
neighborhood.

Is all graffiti the
same?

According to the National Council to
Prevent Delinquency (NCPD), about 80% of graffiti is hip hop or "tagger"
graffiti. Another 5% are "pieces". Nationally, gang graffiti
makes up about 10%. Gang and tag graffiti make up most of San Antonio’s
graffiti problem.

a "tag" is
the graffiti vandal's moniker applied quickly and repetitively.

a
"throw-up" is a more elaborate tag, usually done in two or
more colors. Vandals often use balloon letters, which are filled in
or left as outlines.

"Pieces,"
short for "masterpieces," are large, detailed drawings.
They are colorful, can include cartoon-like characters, and may take
an hour or more to complete.

Generic graffiti (or conventional
graffiti) includes random markings, initials, declarations of love,
social commentary, profanity, graduation events--"Class of
1997"--and other non-threatening messages. Generic graffiti has no
particular style. Gang graffiti is used to mark gang territory, list
members, offer drugs or contraband for sale, or send warnings to rivals.
It may include letters, symbols, or numbers known only by gangs and law
enforcement. Ideological or hate graffiti is any racial, religious, or
cultural slur.

What happens to a
graffiti writer who is caught? Is it really illegal?

Laws, codes, and ordinances that deal
with graffiti vandalism may vary from community to community, but
graffiti is illegal. Typically, graffiti falls under "institutional
vandalism" or "criminal mischief." While a graffiti
arrest may be considered a misdemeanor (a minor offense), more than one
can add up to a felony.

Enforcement of graffiti laws may
include any or all of the following:

Fines and
restitution for graffiti markings.

Arrest and
imprisonment.

Graffiti
misdemeanors being stacked to allow for a felony conviction.

Parents or guardians
fined or ordered to restore property to its original condition or
provide restitution.

The penalty for tagging in San Antonio
can be a misdemeanor if damage is less than $1500. Committing a graffiti
act can also be a felony if damages are more than $1500. The degree of
the felony depends on the amount of damage done. A misdemeanor includes
a fine or time in jail, or both. It is a city ordinance that no one
under 17 may purchase "implements of graffiti." This includes
spray paint or big tipped markers. San Antonio treats graffiti as a
crime, not a prank.

What is the best way
to prevent graffiti?

There are two good ways to prevent
graffiti. The first is to remove it promptly. While this may be
difficult, studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hour results in a
nearly zero rate of reoccurrence. The second is to turn a
graffiti-plagued wall into a mural. Paintbrush murals are almost never
hit with graffiti and are a great way to get a community involved in
graffiti prevention. Murals can involve local artists, youth and
community volunteers, and your local paint store, which may be willing
to donate paint and brushes. San Antonio also offers a paint bank where
residents can pick up recycled paint.

How do you remove
graffiti?

There are several ways to remove
graffiti. The most widely used is the paint-out, which is simply to
paint over the graffiti. Another is using solvents or chemicals to
remove graffiti. Water or sand blasting is also used.

What can I do to
help prevent graffiti?

There are lots of things you can do!
Consider organizing a paint-out or a paintbrush mural to cover a wall
plagued with graffiti; adopt a wall in your school or community and make
sure it stays clean and free of graffiti; report graffiti to the
appropriate authorities; and lots more. Plus, there are many things kids
and teachers can do at school and in your neighborhood.

What is the Graffiti
Wipeout Program?

Graffiti Wipeout is a partnership
between a number of local entities to create an awareness of resources
that are available for graffiti abatement and eradication.